Kingston, Jamaica – The Forest Service announced on Monday that it has seized an additional 600 illegally cut timber trees from the Cockpit Country Forest Reserve, a key part of the Cockpit Country Conservation Area.
The timber was discovered during an eight-hour operation led by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The timber, hidden several miles away within a forest reserve accessible from QuickStep in St Elizabeth, was successfully confiscated without incident. Since the operation began on Friday, authorities have recovered over 750 planks of lumber from various native trees, including Jamaica mahogany, blue mahogany, bitterwood, bitter damsel, and prickly yellow.
Chief Executive and Forest Ranger Ainsley Henry commented on the scale of the operation, describing it as “well-organized” and “clearly well-coordinated and funded.” He noted that some planks of timber had been removed before the operation began and urged Jamaicans to verify the source of any local timber they purchase. He emphasized that all timber traders must possess a valid sawmill licence, with examples available for viewing on their website.
The Forest Service, in collaboration with the Jamaica Forest Conservation Fund (JCF), is continuing its investigation into illegal logging activities. Despite these efforts, tensions have risen, with Accompong Maroon Chief Richard Currie expressing concerns on social media about the Forest Service’s actions. Currie questioned the management of mahogany and raised issues regarding the treatment of local concerns.
The Forest Service remains committed to protecting Jamaica’s forest resources, which cover approximately 48 percent of the island (527,394 hectares), with just over 122,000 hectares under official management.
